tough plants?

half0tempo

AC Members
Apr 22, 2005
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columbus, ohio
Are there any really tough plants that I could stick into my aquarium. I want something that could grow without much care at all..if thats possible. I have a 10gal and I don't plan on making it a planted tank, I just want something alive in it. So..any suggestions of plants that can live through anything would be nice! If there are not any, then oh well!
 
Hmm, so let me clarify.
What kind of lighting do you use? Incandescent? I'm assuming you won't be purchasing any fluorescent lights?

You want plants that will live without additional nutrients added, I'm assuming without fluorescent lighting, without co2, etc etc....?
 
you should try anubias, ive got the coffeefolia variety and its pretty tough
i dont use ferts, co2 or expensive lights (ive only got a fluro giving the tank around 1.3wpg, if that...)
while they are slow growing they dont require any special care and look pretty nice
 
I do plan on getting fluorescent lights eventually, but I really don't have enough cash to buy any expensive new toys yet. I can't wait till I can, but for now I just want something that can survive in what I have got. Oh, and yes, incandescent lights, no co2 in the tank. Oh yes, and thanks for the help also! Hopefully I can upgrade in the near future but I'm planning on getting a larger tank before any other largeish type investments.
 
Go to WalMart. I got a 15W flourescent there for $7.
 
What about the light fixture? Can I put a flourescent light into an incandesant light fixture. I was worried about spending a lot of money on a whole new fixture which can be so expensive.
 
Can't put florescent in an incandescent fixture as a rule, however the new spiral Power compact bulbs are said to be a decent alternative, they have them at wal-mart as well. they are essentially self contained ower compact florescent bulbs that screw into an incandescent socket.

I have had never ending trouble with annubias in my tanks. it has taken me a full year to find a way to grow them well. I imagine that there is more to my annubias troubles than the average plant person sees, as everyone else seems to find them easy to work with.
I have had little trouble with other plants that are said to be difficult. Java fern seems to be the absolute King of tough, grows anywhere plants. and additionally Java fern is a highly underrated plant for looks IMO. Anachris is close to impossible to kill, and provides an excellent nutrient sponge. Many of your sword plants will grow in lower light but do so at an alarmingly slow speed. Bolbitus seems to be a good low light low tech plant, and most crypts will do fairly well.

In any case there is little that will actually do well under an incandescent bulb, but the PC spirals may be the answer to that.
Dave
 
half0tempo said:
What about the light fixture? Can I put a flourescent light into an incandesant light fixture. I was worried about spending a lot of money on a whole new fixture which can be so expensive.

The $7 includes a fixture. I just have two pieces of plexiglass over my aquarium, and two 15w light fixtures over them.
 
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